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Blue Diamond Stakes 2026 picture reshaped after Preludes

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Closer To Free has thrust himself into Blue Diamond Stakes calculations with a debut success at Caulfield over the weekend.

Having impressed in a Caulfield Heath heat last month for trainer Adrian Corboy, Danny O’Brien purchased Closer To Free post-trial and unleashed him in Saturday’s Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) restricted to colts and geldings.

Priced at up to $201 initially for the Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) on February 21 at Caulfield, the colt’s resolute win has seen him shorten to $7 second choice.

Handler Danny O’Brien contemplated bypassing this race for the Talindert Stakes (1100m) at Flemington the following Saturday, but sharp session on Wednesday altered that plan for the promising two-year-old.

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With Michael Dee at the helm leading all the way, Closer To Free ($13) prevailed by a length against $2.20 top pick Guest House, Eternal Warrior ($6) third by a short-head.

O’Brien rated Closer To Free highly even before his trial exertions.

“I saw him in the mounting yard before the trial because I had one in it and Adrian is one of the best, if not the best, breakers and he does all of our yearlings,” O’Brien said.

“I asked him what he was doing down here and he said he was trialling this one with the potential to sell him.

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“Before the horse left the mounting yard after the trial, I walked back with him and saw how easily he’d taken it. As Adrian was hosing the horse down, I bought him.

“He’s a beautiful colt and he’s got a proper pedigree. With Street Boss, his first three dams were all two-year-old stakes winners, so there is plenty to like about him.”

Clinton McDonald’s Streisand has climbed to $9 on the fourth rung of Blue Diamond betting following her win in the fillies’ Prelude division.

Ridden positively by Jamie Melham, the $3 fancy Streisand scored by three-quarters of a length from $51 outsider Chayan, with I Am Aria ($7.50) close up third, a short-neck away.

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After a luckless run when unplaced in the Blue Diamond Preview (1000m), Melham ensured a trouble-free trip up front this occasion.

McDonald and Melham teamed for Diamond glory two years ago courtesy of Hayasugi, although Ben Melham is poised to take the mount in a couple of weeks.

“She’ll go a long way in the Diamond,” McDonald said.

“I think she’s got the right mental aptitude for it and the toughness. I’ve said all the way along she’s a bit like Hayasugi, understated, tough.

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“This one has a bit more bitch about her, I suppose, a bit more temperamental whereas Hayasugi was a sweetheart.

“We’re happy to put up with her and we’re looking forward to the next two weeks.”

Visit the leading racing betting markets for Blue Diamond Stakes options.

The post Blue Diamond Stakes picture reshaped after Preludes first appeared on Just Horse Racing.

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Tyson Fury reacts to Nick Ball losing title via brutal KO and targets ’embarrassing haters’

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Nick Ball lost his featherweight world title this weekend in Liverpool, suffering a dramatic twelfth round stoppage at the hands of Brandon Figueroa. In the aftermath, two-time heavyweight king Tyson Fury has sent him a message of support.

Liverpool’s Ball went back and forth with Figueroa throughout and was looking to finish strong for a chance to retain his WBA belt on the cards. The Mexican-American had other ideas, however, producing a thunderous left hook to drop Ball and closing the show shortly after.

Speaking on Instagram, Fury addressed Ball directly.

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“This is a message to Nick Ball. Fantastic fight, mate, unlucky. This is boxing. It happens. You win some, you lose some. Get some time off, well-deserved rest, get back in the gym. Great little fighter. You can come back and be world champion again. 100%.”

‘The Gypsy King’ then turned his attention to people ‘hating on’ the Brit.

“And this one for all the haters out there and the people who ain’t got no guts to get in the boxing ring and try it. You’re absolutely shameful. Embarrassing w—kers. Hating on people who try their best in live. The man’s fought a two-weight world champion and you try and give him stick. You pieces of rubbish. Get in their and have a fight yourselves you cowards. It’s always a cowardly person who will hate on someone who’s trying to do something that they could only dream about doing. Chin up, Nick, all the best.”

Some of Ball’s team came in for criticism online for the way they reacted to Figueroa’s team celebrating victory before ensuring the former champ was seen to by medical staff. Figueroa apologised to the fans in attendance following this, expressing his respect for Ball.

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“WE CANT WAIT” – Fans in frenzy after Diplo calls BTS’ ARIRANG “craziest album ever” that will “shock the world” & “biggest thing” of his career

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On February 7, 2026, speaking to TMZ at the 2026 Fanatics Super Bowl Party in San Francisco’s Pier 48, Diplo shared that BTS’ ARIRANG release would surprise global audiences. Although the American producer has not disclosed his exact involvement 14 track album. He noted that RM, Jin, Jimin, j-hope, Jungkook, Taehyung, and SUGA played active roles during recording.

“I just feel so lucky because I’ve been working for three decades and to link up with a group like that, and have them trust me and do some awesome music … honestly, it’s gonna shock the world. Craziest album ever,” the 47-year-old stated.

He described the studio sessions as focused and idea-driven. Jungkook’s vocals were highlighted for their natural precision. The group was also described as relaxed and easy to work with. The project was ranked by Diplo as his “biggest thing” in his career so far. Following the DJ’s remarks, fans are in a frenzy for the upcoming release.

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“Can bighit share more things about this album already like WE CANT WAIT,” an X user commented.

Can bighit share more things about this album already like WE CANT WAIT

Admirers say Diplo’s involvement has sparked curiosity about what kind of project ARIRANG will be. Many are calling it a “defining” work, echoing how Diplo conveyed it.

Diplo being on this album just completely threw me off 😭 How is it gonna sound??!!😭 March is so freaking far away!!

if Diplo is calling it the craziest album ever, then ARIRANG might really be one of those era defining projects. BTS coming back after everything they’ve done already and still pushing boundaries shows why their impact is global. Music that “shocks the world” is the kind that changes culture, not just charts. Can’t wait to hear what they created. 💜

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Diplo calling BTS’ Arirang comeback his biggest career moment 🔥 That’s massive this album is about to break records 🎶👑

Others are saying that the septet is always “loved” by the people they work with, and Diplo is no exception.

All the producers are excited to work with BTS bc they are unique and perfect. the impact is crazy oh the industry loves BTS so much 😭

People who work with bts always talk about how hardworking and talented they are

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everyone who works with BTS loves them so much🥺


More about BTS’ ARIRANG comeback

BTS will reenter the music scene on March 20, 2026, closing a near four year break. The return arrives with the group’s fifth studio album, ARIRANG, followed by a large-scale global tour. This release marks the first complete reunion since the members paused activities for mandatory military service.

Album pre-orders began on January 16. The title draws from a traditional Korean folk song tied to perseverance, grief, and hope. The project also includes reported outside collaborators, with Grammy-winning producers Mike WiLL Made It and Diplo involved. The comeback expands through a partnership with Netflix, which will host a live comeback broadcast on March 21. The ticket information to follow.

A feature-length documentary titled BTS: The Return will debut worldwide on March 27. It will present behind-the-scenes access to the group’s reunion. Following the album launch, the Bangtan Boys will commence BTS: WORLD TOUR ARIRANG. It will cover Asia, North America, Europe, Latin America, and Australia, with further 2027 dates to be notified later.

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BTS’ comeback has intensified fans’ anticipation ahead of one of the most closely watched releases of the year.